Thondimuthalum Dhriksakshiyum

This is an almost genius piece of film making. Dileesh Pothen's 'Maheshinte Prathikaram' brought Fahad Fazil back into the fold in a big way but it was a movie which grew on me, after being a little underwhelmed by it on first viewing. But here, he grips you from the start and never really lets go till the end credits roll.

Fahad Fazil continues his fine form, but I would consider him to be more of an admirable supporting foil here. The movie's main protagonists are the couple played by Suraj Venjaramoodu and newcomer Nimisha Sajayan. After a realistically humorous mix up on first meet, they have a furtive romance before tying the knot. While traveling in a bus, a thief (Fahad Fazil) is caught in the act of stealing her gold necklace. While she is adamant that she saw him gulping it down, he protests his innocence to the police.

In fact, I would say it is the scenes at the police station that elevates this film to another level completely. The brilliance of the narration is in the way it makes everything seem so utterly realistic, and yet peppy and satirically humorous in its enactment on screen. The police officers here are not black or white, but like most people occupy the gray area in between. While genuinely wanting to help resolve the conflict here, they also cannot help but try to twist things to suit their perspective at various points in the story. The resolution when it eventually comes is probably the best they could have done with this wacky beautiful film.

Performances are uniformly brilliant. Suraj Venjaramoodu has been finally stepping away from his trademark buffoonery act in recent times, but this has to be one of his finest roles. The utter realism he brings to screen of a common man stuck in a little bit of a muddle and trying his best to resolve it is exemplary. Nimisha Sajayan maybe a newcomer, but she seems perfect for this – again a realistic blend of spunk and sass, yet vulnerable to the events around her. Suraj's chemistry, both with her and with Fahad Fazil is another clincher – it couldn't be better. The police officers, led by Alencier Ley, are all obviously fine actors who have got roles to shine and grab the opportunity.

Movies like this don't come along often. When they do, they deserve every accolade and recognition they get. A must MUST watch.

When a simple plot is presented with impressive film making skills, then you get movies like Thondimuthalum Dhriksakshiuyum( The mainour & the witness). The film starts off with a normal pace but due to an unexpected event, the movie follows a different direction and ends in a unique way. Malayalam movie makers are day by day improving their skills in screenplay & cinematography and this film proves it to be. The characters in the movie have done a great job especially Fahadh Faasil has given one of the best performances in his career. Another special quality is the fahadh's unique character; he is a thief with a different mindset & has his own philosophy in life. The music has also been uniquely crafted. If you believe a film doesn't win through a simple plot, go check this out.

This kind of movies are the way to Indian cinema instead of overhyped movies. Dileep Pothan once again deliver a pure film for the cinema lovers. Recommend for all audience.

So, the first time I watched, I was stunned. Second time I watched with my boyfriend, who is a non-malayali and I laughed so much. Third time, I watched with my Mom, Dad, Brother and Sis-in-Law and we all laughed and cried and commented throughout the movie. Every scene tells a tale. There's plenty to read between the lines and this is one of the finest movies that has come from Mollywood in a long time. It is an experience each time. I wouldn't mind watching it a 100 times more. You'll be gripped throughout the movie. Fantastic and real-time acting as well as plots. This should be translated and re-made in many languages! Satires and ambiguity is weaved throughout the piece. It was a beautiful trip for me!

Thondi Muthalum Driksakshiyum (2017) : Brief Review -

Fahadh Faasil runs absolute RIOT in Dileesh Pothan's instant classic of human derivation. What a film and what a performance by Fahadh Faasil! This is easily one of the most innovative and exciting storyline came from Malayalam Cinema in the last decade. No hard-core drama, no emotional fetching but all it has got is pure realistic sense of human nature and our law system. Thondi Muthalum Driksakshiyum is about Prasad and Sreeja who enter wedlock and move to a new place to continue the rest of their lives. Unfortunate events begin to take place after Prasad, a small-time thief, robs Sreeja's gold chain during a bus journey. The police investigation follows only to make things uneasy for everyone included there. A small idea of chain thief could get such a big amount of cinematic content, i wouldn't have believed it if someone has told me but now i believe because I have experienced in the last 125 minutes i spent watching the film. Sajeev Pazhoor's excellent writing deserves all the praise for making every character look rich despite unwell scenarios. At one moment you feel angry at him but later you start loving his wrongdoings, how? That's the power of writing. That's the skills of a writer to grab you completely over the narrative with the help of detailed characterisations. Fahadh Faasil appears little late but what a mind-blowing performance he has given. Absolutely riot. Suraj Venjaramoodu and Nimisha also leave an impact with their adorable chemistry. Lopez sir shines like a star in the crowd, that luminous thing in the sky. Dileesh Pothan has made three films till date and i have seen all three of them, so i have no second thoughts on calling Thondi Muthalum Driksakshiyum as his Best Film So Far. That's it, that's all i guess. A deserving and real Classic, unlike some of those overrated fanboys material.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.